Happy Easter!

I am not sure if the events that occurred over 2000 years ago which began the celebration of Easter actually took place in the spring. That being said, a holiday that celebrates resurrection in springtime is absolutely perfect! It seems the earth itself goes through an annual rebirth around this time of year.

Growing up, my family celebrated Easter in the popular fashion, Easter baskets left by a bunny, egg hunts and dinner with family. I’ve never really explored how some of these common American traditions started, but I’m sure there are interesting backstories!

As my wife and I began a family of our own, we never really celebrated the traditional American style. Although our kids participated in a couple egg hunts when they were little, we’ve mostly tried to focus on the spiritual aspects of the holiday. The promise of forgiveness and eternal life, what a reason to celebrate!

While it may draw the ire of some, I always found it comforting that churches are jam packed on Easter. Our particular church offers numerous Easter services over the entire weekend! Even though it may be the only day of the year some choose to attend church, the simple act means something and it’s not our place to judge. It’s reassuring to know so many take the time to pause from the troubles of this world to reflect on much more important matters.

How Easter is celebrated depends a lot on where you are in the world. I remember being in Sofia, Bulgaria one Easter eve and saw hundreds of people lighting candles enroute to a midnight Mass. In our current neck of the woods, most stores will be closed on Sunday which I think is a nice and respectful act for the employees.  

This year, we will attend church but most likely on Saturday. We are planning to spend Easter Sunday visiting family, our first Easter with relatives in a few years. We’ll have some fellowship, pause from our hectic lives and reflect on the events of 2000 years ago. How ever you may choose to celebrate, I hope you have a happy Easter!

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